The exploitation of dragging materials represents one of the main activities associated with the supply of aggregates for infrastructure works, urban expansion and development of the construction sector in Colombia. In the department of Boyacá, this activity has acquired increasing importance due to the presence of industrial corridors, road projects and strategic water systems that concentrate extractive processes related to sand, gravel and other alluvial materials. However, the increase in these dynamics has also generated environmental and territorial concerns related to water deterioration, erosion of riverbeds, landscape transformation and conflicts over land use.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the exploitation of dragging materials in Boyacá from a comprehensive perspective, considering regulatory, territorial, environmental and socioeconomic components. To this end, a qualitative descriptive-documentary research was developed based on a review of scientific literature, current Colombian regulations, environmental and territorial planning instruments, as well as technical and institutional documents related to mining, sustainability and water management.

The results showed that extractive activity is directly related to urban growth, regional demand for construction materials, and the strengthening of industrial corridors associated with the Alto Chicamocha. Similarly, problems related to mining informality, limitations of institutional control, and environmental effects on watersheds and riparian ecosystems were identified. Although the country has a broad legal framework to regulate the exploitation of dragging materials, difficulties persist in the processes of institutional articulation, territorial monitoring, and effective application of environmental and mining instruments.

It is concluded that the exploitation of dragging materials in Boyacá constitutes a phenomenon where economic interests, business dynamics and challenges associated with environmental sustainability and territorial governance converge. In this sense, the study provides a useful interdisciplinary approach to strengthen environmental planning, regulation and management processes in territories with high extractive pressure.